The effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) administration on ovarian activity in Karayaka sheep

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) administration on the estrus rate and ovarian activity in Karayaka sheep. In the present study 20 Karayaka sheep breed, which gave at least 2 births and had similar body weight, were used as animal material. At the beginning of the study, 1 ml PGF2α was intramuscularly injected to all ewes in order to lutalyse the corpus luteum (CL) on the ovary. After 9 days of PGF2α administration, sheep were randomly divided into two equal groups; intra-vaginal sponge containing 40 mg flugestone acetate was inserted into vagina of the ewes in first group (n=10) and the ewes in the second group (n=10) were used as controls. Sponges were removed after 14 days and intramuscular injection of 1 ml PGF2α was performed. After 36 hours, intramuscular injection of 1 ml GnRH was performed and all ewes were introduced to Karayaka rams and ewes in estrus were recorded during 72 hours. At the end of estrus determination period all ewes were slaughtered and number of small (1-3 mm), large (> 3 mm) and total follicles and CL were determined on both ovaries. GnRH administered ewes showed higher (100%) estrus rate than the ewes (%70) in the control group. GnRH administered ewes had higher number of small and total follicles, and CL than those of ewes in control group. However, there was no significant difference between experimental groups in terms of large follicle numbers. As a result, it was concluded that the GnRH administration after vaginal sponge application in the Karayaka ewes during the breeding season increased estrus rate and stimulated ovarium activity.